470 Peer Support Warm Line

The 470 Peer Support Warm Line grant, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) through its Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery (DBHR), is designed to provide funding to operate a Peer Support Warm Line (PSWL) program. This program aims to deliver a free, confidential, and peer-staffed phone support line for individuals in Illinois experiencing mental health issues, emotional distress, or those in need of support to maintain wellness outside of formal treatment environments. This initiative seeks to expand evidence-based peer support strategies as a mechanism for community-based mental health services, aligned with the values and best practices outlined in national guidelines. The PSWL program focuses on providing proactive and empathetic support by individuals with lived experience of behavioral health challenges. Peer supporters will be trained and certified professionals—either Certified Recovery Support Specialists (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS). Through this grant, the awardee will establish and operate a warm line that offers supportive listening, resource navigation, and emotional validation to individuals not currently in crisis but who are struggling with isolation, stress, or early signs of mental health concerns. The grantee will be required to follow standards set by SAMHSA’s model guidelines for peer support and will need to demonstrate adherence to ethical practices and cultural competency. The funding may be used for program startup and operations including personnel costs, resource development, training, outreach, and reporting. There are no matching requirements, and indirect costs are permitted without restrictions, provided that costs are necessary and allowable under federal and state guidelines. The estimated total program funding is $1.2 million, with one anticipated award in the range of $500,000 to $1,200,000. This funding opportunity is state-funded and has been posted for the 2027 fiscal year. Eligibility is broad and includes government entities, nonprofits, for-profits, educational institutions, and small businesses. However, applicants must complete required registration and prequalification processes with the State of Illinois through systems such as the GATA Grantee Portal and the SAM.gov registration platform. Subcontractors may be used, but they must also meet compliance standards. The full application packet is due by April 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time. A non-mandatory technical assistance session will be held virtually on March 25, 2026, to answer questions and support applicants in the submission process. Evaluation of proposals will be based on responsiveness, alignment with program goals, organizational capacity, and proposed activities and outcomes. Specific review criteria include experience in providing peer-based support, qualifications of personnel, operational plans, and measurable performance outcomes. Award notifications are expected following the review and risk assessment process, with the grant period beginning no earlier than July 1, 2026, and running through June 30, 2027. The PSWL grant program is a recurring funding opportunity designed to support sustainable peer support infrastructure in Illinois. Based on the program language, it is expected to recur annually. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all submission instructions and ensure that all components, including the budget, program narrative, and required forms, are submitted via the designated state portals. The official grant documentation and application materials can be accessed through the Illinois Department of Human Services website.

Ensure CRSS/CPRS credentialing is clear; complete all prequalification steps or the application will be rejected.